TRADEMARKS

Types of Trademarks Registrable

Sudan operates a “Single-Class” registration system (a separate application is required for each class). There are provisions for the registration of collective marks. There are no provisions for the registration of certification marks, defensive marks or series marks.

Documents required for trademark registration

1. Power of Attorney incorporating an Arabic translation.
2. A certified extract of the entry of the applicant company in the commercial register or a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation
3. Priority document (if applicable), with verified English translation
4. Certified copy of the corresponding home application

International and Regional Arrangements

Sudan is a member of the Paris convention, the Harare Protocol and the Lusaka Agreement (ARIPO), and also the Madrid agreement.

Renewals

Trademarks are valid for an initial period of ten (10) years and renewable ten (10) years thereafter.

Renewals Documents

1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized.
2. N.B. Registered user entries must also be renewed.

Assignments/Mergers

1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized.
2. In the case of a merger: Certificate of Merger, with verified English translation.
3. In the case of an assignment:
   1. FORM TM11
   2. FORM TM12 signed before a Notary Public.
   3. Certificate of incorporation/Extract from Commercial Register relating to the assignee, with verified English translation.
   4. Deed of Assignment, with verified English translation (must be recorded within 6 months of the effective date).

Change of Name

1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized.
2. Certificate of Change of Name, with verified English translation.

Change of Address

Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized.

Licences/Registered Users

1. Power of Attorney, incorporating an Arabic translation, either on the letterhead of the applicant, signed and stamped; or signed and notarized.
2. Declaration and Statement of Case, with verified English translation.
3. License Agreement, with verified English translation.

NB: To be legalized up to a Sudanese Consul.

PATENTS

Filing Requirements:

National Phase PCT Application:

1. Power of Attorney (signed under Corporate Seal or before a Notary Public)
2. Specification claims and abstract in English
3. Abstract in Arabic
4. Formal drawings, if applicable
5. Certificate of Incorporation (legalized)
6. Copy of Published International Publication
7. Copy of International Search Report
8. Copy of International Preliminary Report on Patentability

Patents of Invention (Non-PCT):

1. Power of Attorney (signed under Corporate Seal or before a Notary Public)
2. Specification claims and abstract in English
3. Title and abstract in Arabic
4. Formal drawings, if applicable
5. Certificate of incorporation (legalized)
6. Priority document with verified English translation

Grant:

The term of a patent is twenty (20) years from the filing date

Renewal:

Renewal fees fall due annually commencing on the first anniversary of the filing date.